"We welcome the Government’s proposal to introduce mayoral combined authorities at the regional level across England.
"Devolution of some of the powers and funding currently held centrally by Government, and a clear framework to enable local authorities to coordinate delivery of housing, planning, transport and economic growth, puts decision making closer to local people and should ensure a better approach.
"This also presents a real opportunity to secure the investment in infrastructure required to support sustainable growth and deliver more affordable homes that Oxford clearly needs.
"In anticipation of the White Paper, we have already been engaging in discussions with neighbouring councils in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and elsewhere about the potential creation of a Thames Valley Mayoral Combined Authority.
"Government has also indicated it is seeking to introduce a single tier of local authorities – so-called unitary councils, as part of this process. The white paper mentions a population of around 500,000 as an appropriate size for unitaries in most areas, but also highlights there may be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, including for devolution, and that decisions will be on a case-by-case basis. 500,000 would be bigger than Oxford, but smaller than Oxfordshire, and also much bigger than most existing unitary councils.
"Government will be setting out information on how and when to submit proposals for unitary structures, but it has been clear that local government reorganisation should not delay devolution.
"We will therefore be looking carefully at what the options will be best for the residents of Oxford to reflect the very different needs of a city from its surrounding rural hinterland, and ensure they continue to have democratic representation at the closest level possible to reflect their views.
"Our neighbouring councils will be similarly looking for solutions that work for their own residents. Over the coming months we will continue to work constructively with them and with Government to explore where there are common aims around sustainable and inclusive growth, housing delivery and transport to best serve the interests and needs of our residents."
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
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